Top 10 Foods That Birds Love 🍓🌻🐛

Feeding birds is one of the simplest ways to bring more life, color, and joyful activity into your yard or garden. Whether you’re a backyard birdwatcher or simply want to support local wildlife, offering the right kinds of food can attract a variety of species to your outdoor space year-round.

But not all bird food is created equal. Some ingredients are irresistible to birds, while others can be harmful. In this guide, you’ll discover the top 10 foods that birds absolutely love — and why they keep coming back for more. 🥰

1. Black Oil Sunflower Seeds 🌻🖤

These are the gold standard of bird food. Packed with oil, easy to crack open, and rich in nutrients, black oil sunflower seeds are loved by a wide range of birds including cardinals, finches, chickadees, and nuthatches.

Why birds love them:

• High-fat content for energy
• Thin shell that’s easy to open
• Attracts a wide variety of species

Tip: Use a hopper or platform feeder to keep things tidy and accessible.

2. Mealworms 🐛🔥

Though not everyone enjoys handling them, mealworms are a protein-packed treat for insect-eating birds. They’re especially useful during spring and summer when birds are feeding their young.

Favorite among:

• Bluebirds
• Wrens
• Robins
• Woodpeckers

Offer dried or live mealworms in a shallow dish — you’ll be amazed how fast birds find them!

3. Suet 🍖🪶

Suet is a high-energy food made from animal fat. It’s essential in winter when birds need extra calories to stay warm. It often comes mixed with seeds, nuts, or fruit.

Who loves it:

• Woodpeckers
• Nuthatches
• Chickadees
• Starlings

Hang suet cakes in wire cages or suet holders, and place them in a shady spot to keep from melting.

4. Peanuts 🥜🐦

Whole or shelled, unsalted peanuts are a hit with many backyard birds. They’re full of healthy fats and protein.

Top fans:

• Jays
• Woodpeckers
• Titmice
• Crows

Make sure they’re raw and unsalted — roasted or flavored varieties are not safe for birds.

5. Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds 🌱🐤

These tiny black seeds are a favorite among small finches like the American Goldfinch. Despite their size, they’re rich in oil and best served in a special thistle feeder.

Why it works:

• Attracts finches and siskins
• Low mess
• Ideal for winter feeding

Tip: Store them properly — nyjer goes stale quickly if left exposed to air or moisture.

6. Fruit Slices 🍎🍊🍇

Many birds have a sweet tooth! Offering fresh fruit is a great way to attract species that may not visit traditional seed feeders.

Great choices:

• Apple slices
• Orange halves
• Grapes (cut in half)
• Berries

Loved by:

• Orioles
• Mockingbirds
• Tanagers
• Thrushes

Place fruit on a platform feeder or skewer it on tree branches.

7. Cracked Corn 🌽✨

Cracked corn is inexpensive and attracts ground-feeding birds. It’s best used in tray or ground feeders.

Fans include:

• Doves
• Sparrows
• Blackbirds
• Quail

Use in moderation — it can attract unwanted guests like raccoons if overused.

8. Safflower Seeds 🌼🧡

A great alternative to sunflower seeds, safflower has a bitter taste that squirrels and starlings dislike — but cardinals, grosbeaks, and titmice love it!

Benefits:

• Less mess
• Fewer squirrels
• Rich in protein and fat

It’s ideal for selective feeding in areas with heavy squirrel activity.

9. Homemade Bird Treats 🏠🍪

You can create your own bird-friendly snacks using ingredients like:

• Oats
• Peanut butter (no salt/sugar)
• Unsalted seeds
• Cornmeal
• Dried fruit

Form them into balls or press them into molds using gelatin or coconut oil. These are especially fun for kids to make and hang outdoors.

10. Bread Crumbs — But with Caution! 🍞⚠️

While birds may eat bread crumbs, it’s not recommended as a regular food. Bread has no nutritional value and can fill birds up without giving them the calories or nutrients they need.

If you do offer bread:

• Keep it minimal
• Use whole grain only
• Mix with seeds or fruit
• Never offer moldy or soggy bread

What to Avoid Feeding Birds 🚫🧂🧀

Not all food is safe for our feathered friends. Here’s what to avoid completely:

• Salty or sugary snacks
• Moldy food
• Junk food (chips, cookies, etc.)
• Raw meat
• Milk or dairy
• Avocado and chocolate (toxic to birds)

Keeping your feeders clean and offering fresh, safe food is essential for the health of visiting birds.

Keep It Clean, Keep It Full, Keep It Fun 🧼💚

Attracting birds with food is only the beginning. To make your feeding station successful long-term, remember to:

• Clean feeders weekly with warm, soapy water
• Replace food regularly (especially in hot or wet weather)
• Rotate food types seasonally based on bird preferences
• Watch and enjoy! 📷🐦

Each new bird visit brings a little more joy to your day. And with the right menu, you’ll have returning customers for years to come. 🍽️🎶

Happy bird feeding! 🌞🦜